PART OF OUR DAILY PRAYERS are found in the Lord’s Prayer, specifically “lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil”. Jesus said to pray this way and ask for our Heavenly Father to keep us from those things which could potentially cause our downfall. And He does.

He always makes a way of escape, but will you obey? Do you take the way out or do you push for your way? David prayed the same kind of prayer, “Incline my heart not to submit or consent to any evil thing or to be occupied in deeds of wickedness with men who work iniquity; and let me not eat of their dainties.” Psalm‬ ‭141:4‬ ‭This morning, I got stuck on the word “dainties”. The psalmist proclaims, “I will not taste of their dainties” meaning “I will not listen to their allurements: what finds favor with them shall not tempt me.”

What is pleasant and attractive to the wicked, I will have nothing to do with. It’s not only a prayer for God to aid us, but a proclamation that I will not partake in ANY wicked thing, nor will I be identified with those who do. This means I will not celebrate, tolerate, encourage sin or stand near those things which God tells me to stand far away from.

I’m not sure people understand God’s Word, or at least they are unwilling to obey for fear of appearing “hateful” to others. What is hateful to man is seen as loving obedience from the Almighty God. “But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler (scoffer), or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person.”‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭5:11‬ ‭

Paul says, “Do not even eat a meal” with these people who call themselves by His name. Do not “like” anything they do. His name is at stake. Stand far away. Pray for their souls, but be careful you are not encouraging their wicked behavior. His name is at stake. The Bible consistently warms us of the dangers of bad company. If your best friend is a gossip and slanderer, stay far away. Do not go with an angry man.

Keep yourself from those who take part in idolatry and are sexually immoral. Stand far back from Korah and remove yourself from offense. Don’t go with the drunkard or encourage their sin. His name is at stake. Guard your heart against all bitterness and envy and have nothing to do with selfish ambition. God will make a way of escape when the enemy comes, but you must do the ground work of obedience. Stand near the wicked and you will not be strong enough to withstand the evil one. Encourage sin and you will fall into a ditch. You cannot disobey God’s Word and stand firm. “Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands firm take heed lest he fall.”#RunYourRace

To Learn More About Pastor Crystal please visit the Leadership Page